Living our Future, ch 14

A/N: time to finish up in San Francisco...then back home to make some decisions. Let's go!

The limo eased through the streets of San Francisco. It was such an enjoyable day with Jane acting like a tourist in a city I called home for a number of years. A lovely dinner on the wharf last night topped with a visit to Ghirardelli for some superior chocolate…fudge clusters, of course. A night of sweet and gentle lovemaking completed what I would consider a perfect day. The only thing that would have made it better would have been time with the boys. I miss them so much. Two little smiles and dimples with hearts of gold inside…my sons.

"Whatcha thinkin' of?" Jane strokes her hand over my bare leg.

"Well when you asked, I was thinking of what a wonderful day we had today after my lecture. Of course today followed a very wonderful afternoon and evening yesterday." I covered her hand that continued to stroke me then leaned into whisper in her ear. "But right now I'm thinking about how long we have to stay at this party before I can take you home and fuck you." I finished my statement with a long lick around her ear's shell.

With a groan and a squeeze to my thigh, "Damn, M. I'll never make it through the next five minutes with that image in my brain…let alone last a couple of hours at this frou-frou thing we are going to."

I just smiled at her. I love "messin'" with my lovely wife. Over the years, I have learned how beneficial it can be to me to have her sufficiently primed. I believe she would call it getting her "revved-up". After our time together so far and my flirting, she should be completely ready to take me when we get back to our hotel room. We leave for home first thing Monday morning, and I want another special night and day with her before we go back to being Mommy and Mama.

"Dr. Rizzoli-Isles, we are approaching the gate." The chauffeur announced.

"Thank you, John." I acknowledged his notification before turning to Jane. "Baby, please handle this Phillip matter maturely…and then only if he creates the need to address him."

Jane sets her jaw briefly then releases a deep sigh. "Maura. I will not embarrass you in front of your colleagues, I promise that. I also promise I will deal with this prick if he does anything or says anything to you or about you. Is that acceptable?"

"How do you define 'deal with', Jane?"

"M…I already promised that I wouldn't embarrass you. Can't you trust me to do this?"

"I do trust you, J. But I want to make sure we do this together and not have you go off cocked."

"Half-cocked, Maur…half-cocked. And I won't, I promise."

"Thank you, Jane." I leaned into kiss her perfect lips gently. "I am really glad you are here. I want the whole room to be jealous of me. You have always turned the heads of everyone in a room, my dear. Men, women…it never mattered. And tonight you look especially amazing."

"Well thank you, but the only head I've wanted to turn for the last 12 years is yours."

The car pulled to a stop. After just a few moments, the door opened and we were assisted in our exit by a valet. Here goes nothing…

I stepped out of the car as some hired lackey in a tux held my hand. As he went to help Maura, I stepped in. "It's ok, man. I got it." I reached in to take my wife's hand. She smiled as she accepted it and stepped from the limo.

"Thank you, Detective."

"You are very welcome, Doctor…let's go wow this crowd, whaddaya' say?" I poured on a little extra Boston vocals to try to get my wife to lighten up. This was all going to be fine. It seemed to work, and we made our way into the large, grand entryway of the club.

"Maura! How good of you to come be with us this evening. We have been honored to have you with us this week at the conference and having you join us tonight is especially delightful." The older woman who was clearly a 'power player' around here. She had that air…money, intelligence, confidence. She controlled things around her and people followed her. After her slight hug and European-style cheek kisses of my wife, she turned to me. "Good evening, I'm Jocelyn Hedges. Welcome to San Francisco."

"Jocelyn, this is my wife, Jane. Sweetheart, Jocelyn is the head of the conference board and perhaps the most powerful medical presence in California." M touched my back as she spoke and the way she spoke about this woman assured me that they were friends not just colleagues.

Jocelyn's immediate laughter caught me off-guard. "Oh! God, Maura. You have changed! Even if you had thought such a thing running through your mind, you would never have put voice to it. Jane, you clearly have been good for our little genius." The genuine smile on the woman's face changed her demeanor. She looked more open and friendly in an instant.

"I really hope so, Jocelyn. She has been so good for me, I hope I've done something good for her." I reply honestly. For a few minutes we talked to Jocelyn sharing some personal tidbits before we moved on into the party. It was a pretty pleasant way to start the evening. Jocelyn was the head of a medical and forensic research group…rich and as M had said powerful. At least me detective skills hadn't failed me; my first impression of Dr. J. Hedges was dead on…but I had found myself unexpectedly liking her.

The party was filled with rich looking people. Doctors and lawyers, San Francisco's beautiful and elite…why the hell am I here? The gentle stroking on my bare back reminds me quickly. I am here for my wife. Once a major part of this group, but now the center of my world. I will play nice and act as normal as I can because I love this woman and I want to be here with her…for her. The decorations are really pretty and the spread of food, alcohol, and music make the atmosphere very nice, but I turn my attention to Maura. Yep, the rest pales.

Maura introduced me to several small groups of people as we made our way around. The finger foods that Maura had fancier names for were good, and I didn't mind the conversation since it didn't go into a bunch of crap I didn't understand or care about. All-in-all the night was going fairly well. I won't admit to it, but getting dressed up and going out is fun every once in a while. But fancy things like this sort of un-nerve me. I feel badass at work, because I am confident in my abilities and experience. In a place like this, I feel inferior. I'm not as smart as these people, I don't have the money they do or the same life experiences. One thing that makes me feel a little better is that I know I am attractive. My body is honed through hard work, and I know that I get some attention from others. I can bring my badass self into this setting only because I know that my looks give me a little bit of power. It is not the kind of power I revel in though…it is superficial…but I will take whatever advantage I can get.

"Maura. I am going to the bar. Would like something?" Champagne is being served around the room by waiters, but I want something different. Beer? Maybe. Scotch? Probably.

"No, sweetheart. You go ahead. I'll be right here." I kissed her cheek and left the group.

I move to the bar across the room and order a scotch. I will follow that with a beer then cut myself off for the night. "Good evening."

I turn at the deep voice coming from beside me. Standing a little too close is a quite handsome man about my age. His tux was tailored and very expensive, and he had the smile/smirk that screamed asshole. I didn't like him on sight. "Hello." I kept my answer brief and hopefully uninviting for more conversation.

"Sometimes I need a little something stronger at events like this. Bunch of rich snotty pricks showing off to each other." He gave the last observation in a stage whisper like we were friends sharing secrets.

"Unlike you, I suppose? Or is it that an 'it takes a snotty prick to know a snotty prick'?"

He laughed, "Oh I'm a snotty prick alright. I like it. I think it makes me interesting to those around me. Give me a chance to show you?"

I may puke right here. "Thanks but I have a condition."

"And what is that?"

I lean slightly toward him to lower my voice as I answer. "Prickaphobia: I hate snotty pricks."

"Oh! I like you. Beautiful and a sharp tongue…quite a combination. I'd like to explore it later, if you are interested."

"I think I'll pass, I'm busy tonight."

"Well, lucky for you, I didn't mean tonight. I have big plans tonight, but it will be a one-night thing. Maybe we can connect in a day or two." He sticks out his hand. "I'm Phillip. Dr. Phillip Kilgore."

God damn. I just look at his hand. "Phillip. Hmmm." Is my only response.

"Yes…but I didn't catch your name…."

"No you didn't because I didn't throw it." As he was wondering what to try next with me, I see his eyes looking across the room. He stops and a smile begins to form. Turning to follow his line of sight, I see Maura. I breath to tamp down my desire to beat the hell out of this man right here and right now. "See something you like, Phillip."

"Oh yes. That is my plan for tonight." He motioned toward my wife.

"Big plan, you said…but only for one night, right."

"Yes." He didn't elaborate, so I thought I would prod a bit.

"What is she? The love of your life? The one that got away?"

"Oh, no. Nothing as romantic as that." He turned back toward me. "She was a dalliance some time ago albeit an enjoyable one. Great body. Easy to deal with because she was just in it for the great sex." He winked at me.

"She didn't want more?"

"Hell, no. She is a cold fish, I'm not sure she has a heart. All clinical and rational. But I would like to, let's say 'revisit' her attributes…I just have to convince her."

I am lucky Phillip is the most self-absorbed asshole I've met, if not he would have noticed my flushed appearance and my tension. I'm sure my eyes are showing my hatred, but he doesn't even glance. "Well, if things were so amazing between the sheets, you should have an easy time then."

"She is only here another day or so, but tonight I will convince her. See, she has lost her way since she left California."

"How do you mean?"

"She has gotten 'married' while she's been away…to a woman."

"She is married and you still intend to pursue her?"

He took a drink of the whiskey he had ordered as we started talking. "I don't believe she is married. I know this woman. She doesn't love, doesn't feel…and she sure as hell is not a lesbian. Somehow this dyke she works with conned her. Probably just wanted her money and a mommy to her bastard kids."

I am about to blow when he pats me on the arm preparing to leave. "Oh. Looks as if I can start the festivities. She is leaving the little group…I want you to keep my number, my sexy unnamed friend. I'd love to see you again once I finish this little bit of business." He winked at me and left his card on the bar beside my drink. Then he began to make his way across the room toward Maura.

I take a step away from the group to go in search of Jane. I know how much she hates parties like this, and I worry when she has been gone too long. As the path to the bar clears a bit, I see her leaning partially on a stool drinking. She looks angry…very angry. I smile at her before I recognize Phillip moving toward me. Damn…

"Maura. Sweetheart, you look breathtaking…good enough to eat. Again." How in the hell did I ever spend time with this man. Was he always this bad?

"Phillip. Stop. I've made it clear to you that I am married. I am telling you now that your comments make me uncomfortable, and I would like you to stop." As I try to stay out of his personal space, he has worked me to a more private spot on the far side of the great ballroom. Shit, where is Jane.

"Maura. You are not a lesbian; this farce of a marriage is not real. You must know this 'wife' of yours is just a low-life blue collar dyke who is after something from you…probably your family money. You just need to remember other things…" He reaches for me a bit.

"Stop! You are speaking about things you have no concept of, Phillip. You don't know my wife, you don't know my children."

"Your children? Really, Maura. You don't want kids, you don't want a family…you love your work. Be rational! You have been taken in somehow. I want to help you." I think he really believes the things he is saying!

"Phillip! I wanted to make sure the number you gave me was correct." I turn to see Jane coming up with a card in her hand. I have no idea what she is up to, but the look she gives me keeps me from asking.

Phillip turns to her and looks frustrated. "I'm sorry. Yes, that is the correct number. If I can be of assistance to you, please feel free to call next week at my office." His comments are polite but dismissive. He clearly wants Jane to leave.

"That is great. But I'm really here to give you assistance." What the hell is Jane talking about?

"Assist me, how?" Phillip inquired.

"With your re-connection project, of course." Jane smiled. It wasn't the smile I see or the one she gives to the boys…it was the smile she has when interviewing suspects.

Phillips fumbles a bit, "Uh…I'm sure I don't know what you mean."

"Oh, Phillip, I am sure you do. The project where you take this beautiful woman here to bed to remind her she isn't a lesbian. The project where you completely ignore her marriage vows and her requests for you to leave so that you can fuck her again."

I inhale a sharp breath as does Phillip. "Jane!"

Phillip looks to me, "You know this woman?"

Jane steps closer to me placing her arm around my waist. "We weren't properly introduced, I apologize, Phillip. I am Mrs. Rizzoli-Isles. I am Jane. Boston Police. Mother to Maura's children, you son-of-a-bitch." She never raises her voice as she speaks, but I can feel her fury. Jane leans to me and kisses my cheek. Releasing my body she steps toward Phillip placing a subtle hand to his lapel. She doesn't grasp him so much as she restrains him from moving away from her.

"You listen to me, asshole! You are lucky I have pledged my life to serving and defending the law because all I really want to do right now is beat the living shit outta you. And you know I can don't you, Phil? I could snap you, you little prick. I listened to your thoughts about my wife…can't love, no heart?" I see Phillip attempting to move back, but the muscles in Jane's bare arms show her flexing and keeping him exactly where she wants him. "No, Phil. You will stand right here as long as I want you to, and you will listen to me until I am finished. I bet you have a little dick, dontcha', Phillip. In my line of work and in my past experience, the guy who spouts crap like you do is the one with the limp, little dick. You depend on money and a line to get women into your bed. I know Maura. I bet she spent time with you because you were smart. She likes intelligence and because she has the biggest heart God ever gave to anyone, she wouldn't turn you away for something as superficial as a baby prick.

"Not really married? You disrespect her vows and her personal code of honor? What the hell sort of man are you? What sort of doctor or professional are you? But I will give you one thing…Maura isn't a lesbian. She did, however, fall in love with a woman. She is so good and has such an amazing heart that she didn't see my gender. She saw me! Me! A broken woman who had nightmares of a killer with a crazy family with boundary issues! Somehow she loved me despite all of the shit I carried, and she makes me better. I wouldn't give up on her until she let me see the real her. She hid behind walls to protect herself because she cares too much…you're an asshole and a moron.

"You people in California never took the time to see the real Maura Isles. The woman who had so much to give, so much love. You used her for her mind and skill, but turned away from her when you met a wall. You never could step up to a challenge. Weak-assed cock-suckers! Just some time, some insight, some encouragement and you would have found gold. Pure gold inside of this woman. I'm some 'low-life blue-collar' cop? You bet your ass! I know what I am compared to this woman. I wake up every damned day of my life thankful for a chance to stand at her side. I watch her care for our children…HER children. I watched her carry and give birth…you asshole! Those boys are the center of her world because of the soul she has. She passionately fights for victims and for families because, even though it isn't rational, she cares and she hurts for them.

"This is the woman that shared your damn bed all those years ago. The woman you and every other idiot in this room allowed to get away. You didn't deserve even the time she gave you. And I know I don't deserve her…but I'll be damned if I ever give her up or betray her. I'll also be damned if I ever let someone, anyone, talk about her the way you have tonight. This is your one and only warning, Phil. Get the hell outta my face, don't EVER come near my wife again, and don't ever speak a negative word about her again to anyone…or I will become your worst nightmare. I promise you that you have never dealt with someone like me, Phil. I am very good at what I do, and I can make you disappear forever…don't think I wouldn't. I would do anything for Maura Isles. Anything." Jane let go of his jacket and smoothed it out as she stepped back. "Now. Get away from my family, doctor. Before I change my mind."

"Yes, Phillip. I suggest you do as the good officer says. In fact, I recommend that you leave the building promptly." I did not notice Jocelyn approaching us, and I am not certain what part of this little interaction she has witnessed.

"Jocelyn. I am sorry if we caused any commotion." I say to her.

"No, Maura. I am sorry. I believe I caught enough of your wife's passionate speech to understand what was taking place. Enough that I can assure Phillip that he needs to be prepared to step down from the board, or he will be removed."

"Jocelyn!" Phillip steps up and begins to defend himself. "You don't understand. This crazy woman threatened me!"

"Shut up, Phillip! I know you, have known you for years. Your rather disgusting behavior behind closed doors has always been ignored by your talent, but clearly that was a mistake on my part. You don't respect others. You don't respect women. You don't respect equality or vows or commitments. I'm done with you, Phillip." She inclined her head toward the door dismissing Phillip Kilgore. I could tell he was thinking what to do…whether to argue or move along and fight another day.

"Good evening, ladies. Jocelyn, I would like to speak with you in a few days after we have all had time to calm down a bit, if I may?"

Jocelyn let out a short laugh, "Oh, trust me Phillip. We will be speaking soon…at my convenience."

After Phillip left, Jocelyn addressed Jane and me. "Maura, Jane. I am so very sorry for what happened. I hope you will forgive me for allowing Phillip to be such a brazen ass for years, and please forgive the board for his behavior while you have been our guests."

"Jocelyn, I certainly accept your apology although it is unnecessary. I've enjoyed my time here and would like to attend again, if things were to work out. Phillip was not your fault."

"Yeah…you didn't create that piece of sh…" I jump in before Jane can finish.

"Jane…I think we are all clear about your feeling concerning Phillip." I wrap my arms around her and lay my head on her shoulder.

"Oh, Jane! I truly believe we can be friends! Phillip Kilgore is a prick and a shit. You have great instincts." Jocelyn seems to like Jane. She apparently has great instincts...just like my wife.

"C'mon, Maur! I want the window seat." I grabbed my wife's hips to move her just enough to slip by her and take my seat. We are about to head home to our kids, and I cannot be more excited. We have had a great couple of days in San Francisco, have plenty of souvenirs for the kids and Ma, and have fucked like bunnies for the last 24+ hours. After we left the gala, we got busy in the limo and in the elevator of the hotel before locking the door behind us in the room. Sunday was spent in bed with room service as our only contact with the outside world. It was naked day! I love naked day.

"I love you, Jane." Maura's statement was made not looking at me. She was in her seat staring straight ahead.

"Hey...are you ok, baby?"

She looked at me this time with tears in her eyes. "Yes. I am more than ok. I am leaving a wonderful city after exploring it with the love of my life. I am returning to my home. Not a place I live from day-to-day, but a real home. I will be greeted when the door opens by my children. I am living a life that I never really thought I would have with a woman that stands beside me. Not in front of me to shelter me from all of life's struggles or to stop me from making my own way. Not behind me to allow me to direct her ways unnecessarily or to push me toward paths. But a woman who holds my hand and stands with me…with me! We face things together, Jane…head-on. I am grateful…and I am so very happy."

"I love you, doctor. Thank you for sharing life with me." I kiss her mouth...with passion and with meaning. It is time to go home.

TBC...